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My kitten has parvo. How long until it recovers from the virus?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Male | unneutered | 1.455 lbs

Our kitten of 2 months has been diagnosed with paro virus. Symptoms are severe loss of appetite, dehydrated no fever,weakness,vomiting and foul smelling diarrhea... Symptoms started 5 days ago Treatment is started. Anything we r missing to do we got this kitten 5 days ago its a rescued one. How long it takes to start to revover

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 11th, 2018

This kitten was likely already exposed to it before you go it. This disease can be fatal but hydration is the key. It is a virus so supportive care is all you can do until it passes. Most turn the corner within a week of treatment starting with no more vomiting followed by an appetite returning.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on October 25th, 2017
I'm sorry Blue is so sick! Parvo (also known as panleukopenia) is very serious for kittens and many of the die. Treatment is supportive care as the cause is viral which needs to run its course.
His best option to survive would be to have him hospitalized on intravenous fluids, intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics, gastrointestinal protectants and possibly even nasogastric feeding. The problem with parvo virus is that it destroys to portion of the intestines that is responsible for absorbing food, nutrients and medications. Intravenous medications ensure that he is actually getting the full benefit since oral medications may not be absorbed. Dehydration will set in quickly and this can also be fatal. This why aggressive treatment is best.
In my experience, you will be able to see if difference in 5-7 days if they are going to make it or not. Good signs would be that they are wanting to eat and the diarrhea and blood is subsiding. Bad signs would be a continual illness or worsening. I'm not sure there are any good statics to tell you about parvo in kittens as far as survival rates.
At home you are fighting an uphill battle. You need to make sure he stays hydrated. Unflavored pedalyte can help with electrolytes. He needs medications (antibiotics, GI protectant), he needs to eat.
Even with hospitalization (which will give him his best chance), he still may not make it but its worth a try. I've got my fingers crossed for Blue. I hope he gets better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat is recovering from parvo. When is he fully recovered and safe?

Parvo virus in cats (also known as panleukopenia) is a very serious illness with a poor prognosis. If Blue was not tested for feline panleukopenia and his diagnosis was an educated guess, it may be that the bloody stool and vomiting were caused by some other bacterial or viral infection, or intestinal parasites. I do hope that he continues to get better and go back to completely normal! A true panleukopenia virus infected cat can continue to shed virus particles for 6 weeks. I do recommend that he be seen by the vet to start vaccinations next week to prevent other viral infections that are prevented with proper vaccination. Here is some more information on panleukopenia virus in cats: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1983

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What are a kitten's Feline Parvo survival chances with early vet care?

With appropriate and intensive treatment chances of recovery are usually good. The response to the first days of treatment is essential, but for sure the fact that you went straight to your veterinarian increases the chances a lot. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten tested positive for Parvo again. What are its survival chances?

I am so sorry that this has happened to you and your family! Feline parvovirus also called feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often fatal disease with kittens being the most susceptible. Diagnosis can sometimes be confirmed using a fecal antigen test kit. However, because this fecal antigen is detectable only for a short time after infection, false-negative results are common. It sounds like this might have been the case with your kitten. Supportive therapy is the main course of treatment and prognosis is guarded. Because the virus is very hardy, it can remain infectious in your home for years, unless the environment can be appropriately disinfected with bleach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten has parvovirus symptoms. What happens to her IV fluids?

Hi there. I'm sorry to hear that your kitten is sick. To know if she truly has parvovirus (also called feline panleukopenia), she would need to be tested for it. If your veterinarian did not test her, then there's no way to know for sure if this is the problem or not. But, her symptoms certainly sound like they could be caused by this. And yes, she will urinate out the excess fluids from her IV drip.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten was exposed to parvo. How can I prevent it from getting sick?

Feline parvo, also called panleukopenia, can be spread through the stool, urine, or nasal secretions of affected kittens. I'm glad you kept the kittens separated when they were both in your care. I would make sure you do not let your heathy kitten use any of the bowls, blankets, beds, or litter pans the sick kitten came in contact with. You can clean these items with diluted bleach. Also clean surfaces the sick kitten came in contact with similarly. Signs to watch for include lethargy, diarrhea and poor appetite. Here is a helpful website: https://www.avma.org/public/petcare/pages/Feline-Panleukopenia.aspx. I hope Sebastian does great!! Please let us know if you have further questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has Parvo. What home care can I give for diarrhea and recovery?

It sounds like you are doing just fine with him. I really can't say if he is on the mend or not without examining him myself but he does not sound that sick so that is good. Remember these things take time; it has only been 15 hours. There is nothing else I would recommend you do; the treatment plan sounds fine. Best wishes. I hope Ezra is back to 100% soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has parvo. What's the best treatment for her survival?

I am so sorry to hear that MJ is so ill. Parvo is a serious illness and is best treated aggressively in the hospital. This is because they can give her IV fluids to keep her hydrated and medications by injection. If you bring her home, you will have to continue to give her fluids under the skin which is not as effective as IV fluids. You will also have to give her medications by mouth which she may vomit right back up. If you are able to continue to keep her in the hospital, this will give her the best chance of survival. If you are unable to keep her in the hospital, then you must be prepared to treat her constantly at home. They can survive this virus, but it usually takes very aggressive and constant treatment. Although even with aggressive treatment and despite our best efforts, they can still pass away. I am so sorry you and MJ are going through this. I really hope that she will be able to beat this.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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